7/9-7/11: Comics, Rock and Fireworks

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THE SUPERS: Last year, more than 7,000 people showed up. This year shouldn't be any different. Starting Friday morning and ending Sunday evening, Connecticon, one of New England's biggest pop culture events, will take over the Connecticut Convention Center and the Hartford Marriott Downtown. The weekend features everything from classic comics, to the latest in web art, anime, games, sci fi, fantasy, roleplaying, the list goes on and on and on. There are even workshops, performances, guest speakers and discussions of your favorite comic genres. The fun starts Friday at 8 a.m.

GET SHORTY: Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews has the raw talent and spirit to become a jazz great. Over the past few years Trombone Shorty (and seriously, that's one of the great nicknames of all time) has made his mark on an international level, playing with the likes of U2, Harry Connick Jr. and Allain Toussaint. Friday night, he's bringing his band Orleans Avenue stateside to Fairfield Theatre Company-StageOne. For just $25, you can see "Shorty" perform his own brand of rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop and soul. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

ALL AMERICANS: It's the night you've been waiting for since Katie Stevens first strolled onto the American Idol Stage. Friday night at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport Katie and the rest of the Idol top ten will take the stage. The show was supposed to be in September, but well, I guess the contestants couldn't wait that long. We could say more about Lee, Chrystal, even Katie, but you already know every fun little tidbit we'd so eloquently put forth. Click here for ticket info.

SKYNNED: For years and years and years, Lynyrd Skynrd has been one of the most popular bands in rock music. Saturday night, they're stopping in Connecticut at the Comcast Theatre. The band will be playing with the one-and-only Bret Michaels and .38 Special This may be the one concert where you can shout "Freebird!" and truly get away with it. Tickets are $31 for the lawn and $45.50-$65.50 for reserved seats. The show starts at 7 p.m.

TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: The Fourth has come and gone, but that doesn't mean the Independence Day fun is on hold for another year. Head to Hartford this weekend for Riverfest 2010. There be a major fireworks show Sunday night at 9 p.m, plus entertainment and activities from music to food to drink and oh, so much more. For the full schedule of events, click here.

UP THE BRITISH: They may be from New Jersey, but for thirty years, the Smithereens have been playing music their way. The band dresses in leather, brandishes heavy guitars and features an unabashed fetish for British Invasion Pop. Friday night, you can experience the band live at Infinity Hall in Norfolk. Tickets are $40, $45 and $60. The show starts at 8 p.m.

GET WARPED: Grab your skateboard and head to the Comcast Theatre Sunday for the 2010 edition of the Vans Warped Tour. Though, now that we think of it, that board may get confiscated at the door. The 2010 tour features too many bands to list right here, but some of the highlights include Andrew W.K., The Dropkick Murphys, Haste the Day, Reel Big Fish, Sum 41 and the All American Rejects. The show starts at 11am, and tickets are just $34 for the entire day.